Removal of overhead power cables sought for this Kildare region

It was claimed by a local representative that the matter has been raised ‘several times over the years’

By Ciarán Mather Published 20th Oct 2026, 15:00 GMT Removal of overhead power cables sought for this Kildare region | FILE PHOTOGRAPH / PIXABAY It was claimed by a local representative that the matter has been raised ‘several times over the years’ The removal of overhead power cables has been sought for one County Kildare region.

The idea was put forward by Fianna Fáil councillor Brian Dooley at the latest Athy Municipal District meeting, which took place on Monday, October 12 last.

Read More Vote to pick Kildare GAA's Pride of the Parish Appeal released in Kildare following theft of quad bike FINAL CHANCE! Kildare's Junior Infants in Leinster Leader Paddy Power owner to axe 1,400 jobs after UK tax hikes Met Éireann issues nationwide weather warning as Storm Austen set to batter Ireland Kildare County Council announces Climate Fortnight 2026 Sign up to our Kildare Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kildare Live within your account.

He initially raised the subject during the early stages of this meeting, when he motioned for Kildare County Council (KCC) to ‘request a survey to be carried out by the utility providers in Athy regarding the removal of all overhead cables’.

Cllr Dooley also told KCC that he wanted the cables to instead be placed underground and in ducting, in an attempt to ‘enhance the streetscape’.

Cllr Brian Dooley (Fianna Fáil) | PHOTOGRAPH CREDIT: KILDARECOCO.IE In response to Cllr Dooley’s request, KCC said via the report it presented at the meeting: “The Transport Department will engage with utility providers as part of the overall scheme to enhance the public realm on Athy’s main thoroughfares.”

KCC also told Cllr Dooley: “Surveys will be completed as part of any future engagement on the delivery of this project.”

Speaking further on the matter, Cllr Dooley told KCC that he believed the suggestion to remove overhead cables in Athy had been raised ‘several times over the years.’

He added: “This shouldn’t be up to KCC [to sort out], it should be up to the utility providers.”

Following Cllr Dooley’s comments, the Mayor of the Municipal District, Labour Party Cllr Mark Leigh, also spoke, and told KCC that he was aware of two telegraph poles in particular that, in his view, should be replaced ‘as soon as possible’.

Replying to both Cllr Dooley and Mayor Leigh, KCC official Mark McLoughlin assured them that he would pass on their comments to the Transport Department.